Trent Bridge

Newell Reacts To Selector Announcement

Featured News | 25th April 2014

Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell has become an England selector. This news follows Ashley Giles' decision to step down from the four-man panel, with Newell replacing him with immediate effect.

“I applied for the job originally a few months ago and Angus Fraser took the position then,” Newell told BBC Radio Nottingham.

“With Ashley Giles stepping down I was able to take the position this time."

“We had a conversation with James Whitaker and he asked me if I would take on the role, and I was very happy to do so.

Newell joins Middlesex’s Angus Fraser, Peter Moores and James Whitaker to play a role in the decision-making process behind England selections, and keep a keen eye on talent emerging across county cricket. He was also quick to confirm that his new-found responsibilities would not interfere with his role with Nottinghamshire.

“The job of the panel is, because the coach is full on with the team, to put names forward, discuss team selection and support the coach and the captain, Alastair Cook in putting out the best possible team in every England game,” said Newell.

“I’ll be watching high quality Division One cricket every week.

“When we’re not playing I’d be expected to go and watch other games around the country, and with meetings conducted over the phone or via Skype, I have the blessing of the club to pursue it and it won’t affect my time at Trent Bridge.”

“The counties realise the importance of a good England team and its county cricket that these players come from.

“The guys who coach and umpire in county cricket are the ones with the closest handle on the good players coming from the counties.

“It won’t all be down to us, the coach has a huge say in picking the eleven, and the captain does too. If some of the players coming through are from Nottinghamshire then great, but there won’t be any bias in favour of them.”

Nottinghamshire return to LV= County Championship this weekend to face Warwickshire at Trent Bridge.